Brassiere side construction

ABSTRACT

Brassiere having novel overlapping side constructions that, inter alia, (1) firmly hold and compress the pectoral muscles and the adipose tissues associated therewith without discomfort to the wearer during use, (2) prevent unsightly bulging of such muscles and tissues, and (3) provide a smooth contour or profile of the body in the underarm region.

United States Patent Edward Jannicelli, Jr.

Ramsey, NJ.

Sept. 2 1, l 967 Feb. 2, 1971 International Playtex Corporation Dover, Del.

a corporation of Delaware lnventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee BRASSIERE SIDE CONSTRUCTION 12 Claims, 18 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 128/498, 128/500 Int. Cl. A4lc 3/00 Field 01 Search 128/494, 451, 496, 498, 499, 500, 501, 428, 516, 517, 425494; 2/73 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Hollar Coleman et a]. Gingras Dugan Smith Fridolph Holscher Primary ExaminerAde1e M. Eager Attorney-Stewart .1. Fried ABSTRACT: Brassiere having novel overlapping side constructions that, inter alia, (l) finnly hold and compress the pectoral muscles and the adipose tissues associated therewith without discomfort to the wearer during use, (2) prevent unsightly bulging of such muscles and tissues, and (3) provide a smooth contour or profile of the body in the underarm region.

PATENT-ED FEB 2 |97| SHEET 1 [IF 6 INVENTOR A T TORNEV PATENTED FEB emf 3,559,653

SHEET 3 0F 6 IN VE N TOR 50mm) JANN/QILU, JR.

A TTORNEV Fla. 3,4

PATENTEUFEB zlsm' v 3.559.653

- sum u or s PATENIEIJ FEB 2491:

sum 5 or 6 BRASSIERE SIDE CONSTRUCTION CROSS-REFERENC E TO RELATED APPLICATIONS United States Design Patent Applications, Ser. Nos. D- 2883. D-2884, and D-2892, each filed Jun. 30. 1966 in the name of Edward Jannicelli. entitled BRASSIERE, and assigned to the assignee hereof. 1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the brassiere an. and particularly to the side construction of the brassiere that connects the front and rear body encircling portions thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is a brassiere that supports and shapes the breasts of the wearer and includes a novel side construction for molding the underarm areas of the body in a desired contour and profile without discomfort to the wearer.

My novel side construction has upper and lower panels. at least one of which has a pair of overlapping, nonsymmetrical, stretchable members, that are secured together to form an elongated zone of attachment. The overlapping members and the zone of attachment formed between the upper and lower panels combine to firmly and comfortably mold the pectoral muscles and adipose tissues in the underarm areas to the body.

Discomfort in the underarm region of the body may be generally caused by excessive pressures against the chest, pectoral muscles and overlying adipose tissues in that region, particularly when such chest muscles and tissues expand. The

natural sag and droop of these muscles and tissues make it even more difficult to achieve the desired a underarm molding yet maintain the required underarm comfort. The side construction of a brassiere, therefore, must firmly push these muscles and tissues upwardly and inwardly to properly mold the body and produce a smooth underarm profile, yet it must be done without excessive pressures to prevent underarm discomfort.

Because the pectoral muscles and adipose tissues greatly expand and contract during certain body movements of the wearer, the elements of the side construction of any brassiere should also dynamically accommodate to such muscular expansions and contractions without discomfort to the wearer. Dynamic Accommodation as used herein means that capability of the brassiere elements to automatically expand and contract in substantial synchronism with the expansions and contractions of the body in the area in which such elements overlay.

The improved side construction of my brassiere when on the body firmly compresses against the pectoral muscles and adipose tissues upon which it overlies so as to mold such muscles and tissues and prevent unsightly sagging and bulging thereof, yet it also dynamically accommodates to body expansions and contractions in the underarm region without exerting uncomfortable pressures against the body so as to achieve the desired smooth underarm profile.

Several side constructions have been previously used to provide comfortable and effective dynamic accommodation of a brassiere to muscular expansions and contractions that occur in the underarm region of the body. Orie such side construction is disclosed in the US. Fat. to Krieger, No. 2,7l3,683, issued Jul. 26, I955, while another is disclosed in the German Fat. to Spiesshofer and Braun, G.m.b.H., No. 928,522, Ausgegeben AM, Jun. 2, I955.

The several embodiments of my invention are improvements over the brassieres and particularly the side constructions disclosed in the above-mentioned patents.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a brassiere having a front section, a pair of rear sections, and a pair of side sections respectively connecting the rear sections to the front section. Each side section of my invention includes upper and lower stretchable panels, at least one of which has overlapping, nonsymmetrical pieces of stretchable fabric. The stretchable panels in each side section are secured together to form an elongated zone of attachment. such zone extending between the front section and the rear section. Preferably the stretchable panels of each side section are secured together in a manner effecting the restraining of the stretch characteristics in the elongated zone of attachment, and the overlapping members are oriented with respect to each other so as to form an area of overlap that is less than the surface area of at least one of the overlapping members. This novel side construction dynamically accommodates to expansions of the pectoral muscles and overlying adipose tissues as the wearer moves about, thus providing a smooth underarm profile yet minimizing pressures against the body of the wearer.

In one embodiment of my invention, the upper stretchable panel is a folded-over piece of stretchable fabric which forms upwardly extending, inner and outer overlapping members. Each overlapping member has its front edge secured to the front section, its rear edge secured to its corresponding rear section, and a free edge spaced upwardly from the elongated zoneof attachment. The folded edge of the upper stretchable panel is preferably secured by ladder stitches to the upper edge of the lower panel, thus restricting the stretch characteristics in the zone of attachment and producing a zone of restrained stretch. Orientation of the outer overlapping member with respect to the inner one is such that the area of overlap is less than the surface area of either one of the overlapping members.

In a second embodiment of my invention, the lower panel is a folded-over piece of stretchable fabric constructed in a manner similar to the first embodiment so as to form downwardly extending, inner and outer overlapping members; while in a third embodiment of my invention both the upper and lower panels are folded-over pieces of stretchable fabric similarly constructed as above described so as to form both upwardly and downwardly extending, inner and outer overlapping members.

In each of the embodiments of my invention, where the stretchable panels of the side sections include inner and outer overlapped members, it is preferable to have the free edges thereof cross each other at a point intermediate of the front and rear sections of the brassiere.

Other features, objects, and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate like parts throughout, it being understood that such description and drawings are illustrative and not limitative of my invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS As used hereinafter, the term left side section refers to that portion of the brassiere that overlies the left side of the wearer when the brassiere is on the body.

FIG. I is a side elevation view of one embodiment of my invention (hereinafter referred to as my upper overlapping embodiment).

FIG. IA is an exploded view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. I.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the left side of the brassiere of FIG. 1 with a portion of the left side section cut away for graphic representation purposes.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are each top plan views of the upper overlapping embodiment of my invention when incorporated in the left side section of slightly difierent brassiere configurations. A portion of the left side section of the brassiere is cut away for graphic representation purposes.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of my invention (hereinafter called my lower overlapping embodiment).

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. 3.

FIG 4 is a top plan view of the left side of the brassiere of" FIG. 3 with a portion of the left side section cut away for graphic representation purposes.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are each top plan views of the lower overlapping embodiment of my invention when incorporated in away for graphic representation purposes.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of my invention (hereinafter called my double overlapping embodimerit).

FIG. SA is an exploded view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the upper and lower panels of the left side section of the brassiere shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is'a top plan view of the left side of the brassiere of FIG. 5 with a portion of the left side section cut away for graphic representation purposes.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are each top plan views of the double overlapping embodiments of my invention when incorporated in the left side section of slightly different brassiere configurations. A portion of the left side section of the brassiere is cut away for graphic representation purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in detail to FIGS, 1 and 2 of the drawings, the left side of a brassiere in which the upper overlapping embodiments of my invention is shown includes a front section 10, two identical rear sections 12 (one of which is not shown), two identical side sections 16 (one of which is not shown), two identical shoulder straps 20 (one of which is not shown), and rear closure means 24.

The front section includes circular-shaped, two-piece cups 26, 28, two crisscrossed, breast hugging, stretchable members 30, 32, and a center stretchable gusset 34.

The left rear section 12 includes a stretchable rear panel 36, and a shoulder strap 20, such strap having one of its ends secured along the upper outer edge of the left rear panel 12 and its other end respectively secured to the upper apex of the embodiments of my invention may include a small portion of the inner adjacent peripheral edges of the stretchable panels 44. 46

l have found it preferable to restrict the stretch characteristics in the zone of attachment so as to produce a downwardly extending zone of restrained stretch. This zone of restrained stretch firmly compresses against the pectoral muscles and adipose tissues upon which it overlies so as to mold such muscles and tissues and prevent unsightly sagging 0 and bulging thereof. On the other hand, however, the stretch front section 10. Secured to the rear edge of the left rear section 36 in conventional manner is any well-known rear closure means, such as the conventional connector 24, as shown in the drawin'g'sfA conventional shoulder strap buckle 40 is used for shoulder strap adjustment.

The left side section 16 includes an upper stretchable panel 44 and a lower stretchable panel 46, with such panels secured to each other by any well-known securing stitch 48 to produce a zone of attachment between the panels, and preferably by ladder stitches to lock the stretch characteristics of the stretchable panels 44, 46 along their edges of securement, yet permit a slight degree of relative movement respecting these panels.

The left upper panel 44 includes an inner, stretchable piece of fabric 50, and an outer, stretchable piece of fabric 52 which overlaps the inner member. These overlapping members have front coterminous edges that are secured to the upper outer edge of the left cup 26, rear coterminous edges that are secured to the left rear section 12, and upper edges that are free and unsecured. A portion of the left side section 12 has been cut away to more clearly show the structural relationship between the upper overlapping members 50, 52.

The left lower panel 46 is preferably a single layer of stretchable fabric with its upper edge secured to the lower edge of the left cup 26, its inner edge secured to the side edge of the center gusset 34, and its lower edge free and unsecured.

By this construction and securement of the stretchable panels 44, 46, a downwardly extending zone of attachment is provided in the area where the lower edge of the upper panel 44 is secured to the upper edge of the lower panel 46. Zone of attachment'as used herein in general means an area that is distinct from the surrounding or adjoining parts, and in particular means the elongated area that is located between the stretchable panels 44, 46. This zone of attachment in some characteristics of the stretchable panels 44, 46 above and below the zone of restrained stretch permitexpansion of these muscles and tissues as the wearer moves about and ex periences other body motions. thus resulting in a dynamic accommodation of the components of the side sections of the brassiere to muscular expansions of the body.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the major stretch direction of the stretchable panels 44, 46 is substantially parallel to the zone of attachment. I have found that this orientation of the major stretch direction provides the necessary dynamic accommodation of the components of the side sections to excessive body expansions, and achieves both the desired smooth underarm profile and the required underarm comfort.

It is to be understood, however, that other angular orientations of the major stretch direction of the stretchable panels 44, 46 may be used when different underarm support and control characteristics are desired, particularly for women who have larger and heavier breasts or highly developed pectoral muscles. To produce increased underarm support and control, the major stretch direction of the panels may be oriented perpendicular to the zone of attachment.

In FIGS. 1A and 18, I show, respectively, an exploded view of the stretchable panels 44, 46 when secured to form the left side section of the brassiere of FIGS. 1 and 2, and a top plan view of these panels when flat, unfolded, and unsecured in the brassiere of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The left upper panel 44 preferably comprises a plurality of peripheral edges and a fold line 54. This panel piece is folded inwardly from its position as shown in FIG. 18 so. that the inner section 50 is under the outer section 52 with their rear edges 56, 58 coterminous and their inner edges 62, 70 coterminous. Attachment of this upper panel 44 is accomplished by (l) securing the inner coterminous edges 62,70 to the upperouter edge of the left cup 26, (2) securing the upper-inner edge 64to the left breast hugging member 30, (3) securing the upper edge 66 to the left shoulder strap 20 via the left adjustabl buckle 40, and (4) securing the outer coterminous edges 56, 58 to the inner edge of the left rear panel 36. The upper edges 60, 68 of the upper panel 44 are free and unsecured, while its fold line 54 is secured to the outer edge of the left lower panel 46.

The left lower panel 46 is preferably a single layer of stretchable fabric that has a plurality of peripheral edges. This panel is attached in the brassiere by (l) securing the upper edge 72 to the lower edge of the left cup 26, and (2) securing the inner edge 78 to the side edge of the center gusset 34. The lower edge 76 of the lower panel 46 is free and unsecured, while its outer edge 74 is secured to the fold line 54 of the upper panel 44.

Although any well-known type of securing stitches may be used to attach the stretchable panels 44, 46 in the brassiere, it is preferable to secure the edges 56, 58, 62, and 70 of the upper panel 44, and the edges 72, 78 of the lower panel 46 with conventional double-row, parallel stitches; whereas the fold line 54 of the upper panel 44 and the outer edge 74 of the lower panel 46 are secured together by ladder stitches 48, so as to permit a slight degree of relative movement between these panels during dynamic conditions of use and to establish a zone of attachment in which stretch characteristics are restrained.

In FIGS. 2A and 28, I show top views of the left side of the upper overlapping embodiment of my invention when incorporated in brassieres having different front panel constructions.

In the brassiere of FIG. 2A. the two-piece cups 260, 280 are secured together along their inner edges by ladder stitches 76. and have their outer edges secured to their corresponding side sections. An elastic band 78 extends along the complete bottom edge of this brassiere, with its upper edge secured to the lower edges of the front. side and rear sections of the brassiere.

The left rear section I2, left shoulder strap 20, left rear closure 24 and left shoulder strap buckle 40 of this brassiere are the same as above described regarding the brassiere of FIGS. I and 2, and are similarly secured therein. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left rear and side sections 12, 16a.

The shape of the stretchable panels 44a, 46a is the basic difference between the side construction of this embodiment and the one above described. For example, the coterminous inner edges of the upper panel 440 that are secured to the upper outer edge of the left cup 260 are substantially straight, and the lower panel 46a is substantially a triangular piece of stretchable fabric with l its inner edge secured to the lowerouter edge of the left cup 26a. (2) its lower edge secured to the elastic band 78, and (3) its outer edge secured to the upper panel 44a. In this embodiment, the upper panel 44a is also a folded-over piece of stretchable fabric that forms overlapping, inner and outer members 50a, 52a, with its folded edge secured by stitches 48a to the outer edge of the triangular lower panel 46a and its coterminous outer edges secured to the inner edge of the left rear sectionlZ.

The brassiere of FIG. 28 has conventional two-piece cups 26b, 28b, with breast hugging members 30b, 32b, securing together the inner upper edges of the cups in a well-known crisscross construction. The left rear section 12, left shoulder strap 20, and left adjustable buckle 40 of this brassiere are the same as above described with regard to the brassiere of FIGS. 1 and 2, and are similarly secured therein. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left rear and side sections I2, 16b. The upper panel 44b is substantially the same as the upper panel 440 of FIG. 2A in that its coterminous inner edges, which are secured to the upper-outer edge of the adjacent cup 26b, are substantially straight, and it includes inner and outer stretchable members 50b, 52b that overlap each other.

The lower panel 46b, however, is different than either of the two previously described lower panels 46, 46a in that its lower edge extends to the center of the brassiere, its upper edge is secured to the lower edge of the left cup 26b, its outer edge is secured by stitches 48b to the folded over edge of the upper panel 44b, and its lower edge is unsecured and free. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the upper panel 44b are coterminous and secured to the inner edge of the left rear section 12.

The major stretch direction of the stretchable panels of the side sections of FIGS. 2A and 2B are preferably parallel to the zone of attachment, and preferably the stretch characteristic in this zone of attachment is restrained to provide a zone of restrained stretch asabove described regarding the brassiere of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the left side of a brassiere in which the lower overlapping embodiment of my invention is shown includes a front section 110, two rear sections 112 (one of which is not shown), two shoulder straps 120, (one of which is not shown), and a rear closure 124, all of which are substantially the same as above I described with regard to the brassiere of FIGS. I and 2.

The side sections 116 (one of which is not shown) of this embodiment each include an upper stretchable panel 144 and a lower stretchable panel 146, with such panels secured to each other by any well-known securing stitch 148 to produce a zone of attachment between the panels, and preferably by ladder stitches to restrain the stretch characteristics in the zone of attachment.

The left lower panel 146 comprises an inner, stretchable piece of fabric 151 and an outer stretchable piece of fabric 153 which overlap the inner member. The inner edge of the outer member 153 is secured to the center gusset I34. and its upper-inner edge is secured to the lower edge of the left cup I26. Also secured to the lower edge of this cup I26 is the inner edge of the inner overlapping member 151, which is coterminous with the upper-inner edge of the outer overlapping member l53. The outer edges of both members are also coterminous, and are secured to the left rear section 112, while their lower edges are free and unsecured. The left side section I16 has been cut away to more clearly show the structural relationship between the lower overlapping members I51, I53.

Secured to the outer edge of the left cup 126 is the upper panel 144, which has its lower-inner edge secured to the upper-outer edge of the cup, its upper-inner edge secured to the breast hugging member 130, its inner-upper edge secured to the adjustable shoulder strap buckle I40. and its upperouter edge free and unsecured.

By this construction and securement of the stretchable panels 144. I46, I have provided an upwardly extending zone of attachment in the area where the lower edge of the upper panel 144 is secured to the upper edge of the lower panel I46. Again, I prefer to restrict the stretch characteristic in the zone of attachment to produce an upwardly extending zone of restrained stretch. The stretch characteristics of the stretchable panels 144, 146 above and below this zone of attachment permit expansion of these muscles and tissues as the wearer moves about so that the components of the side section dynamically accommodate to muscular expansions of the body. In addition, the lower panel 146 dynamically accommodates to large chest cavity expansions that commonly occur in the area of the body just below and rearwardly of the breasts. I have found that my downwardly overlapping side construction does not exert uncomfortable pressures against the wearer's rib cage and pectoral muscles, yet it still maintains a uniformly smooth profile of the underbust and underarm areas of the body.

In this downwardly overlapping embodiment of my invention,I again prefer to orient the major stretch direction of the stretchable panels 144, 146 so as to be substantially parallel to the zone of attachment. Of course, when other underarm support and control characteristics are desired, the major stretch direction may be oriented at any angle with respect to the zone of attachment.

In FIGS. 3A and 38, I show, respectively, an exploded view of the stretchable panels 144 and 146 when secured to form the left side section of the brassiere of FIGS. 3 and 4, and a top plan view of these panels when flat, unfolded, and unsecured in the brassiere of FIGS. 3 and 4.

The left upper panel 144 is preferably a single layer of stretchable fabric that has a plurality of peripheral edges. This panel has its lower-inner edge 168 secured to the upper-outer edge of the left cup 126, its upper-inner edge 170 secured to the left breast hugging member 130, its upper edge [72 secured to the left shoulder strap via the left adjustable buckle 140, and its outer edge 158 free and unsecured. The lower edge 176 of the upper panel 144 is secured to the lower panel I46 by stitches 148.

The left lower panel 146 preferably has a plurality of peripheral edges and a fold line 154. When secured into the brassiere, the inner member 151 is folded downwardly from its position as shown in FIG. 38 so that it lies under the outer member 153, with the outer edges 156, 158 and the inner edges 162, 166 respectively coterminous. This panel is secured in the brassiere by (l securing the inner coterminous edges 162, 166 to the lower edge of the left cup 126, and (2) securing the outer coterminous edges 156, 158 to the left rear section 112. The lower edges 160, 164 of the lower'panel 146 are free and unsecured, while its inner edge 163 is secured to the center gusset I34.

As mentioned above, any well-known type of securing stitches may be used to attach the stretchable panels 144, 146 in the brassiere, but I prefer to secure the edges I56, 158, I62, I63 and 166 of the lower panel 146, and the edge 168 of the upper panel I44 with conventional double-row. parallel stitches. whereas the edge 170 of the upper panel I46 is secured by ladder stitches I69 to the breast hugging-member I30. and the fold line I54 of the lower panel 146 is secured by ladder stitches I48 to the edge 176 of the upper panel I44. so as to permit a slight degree of relative movement between the secured panels during dynamic conditions of use. and in particular to establish a zone of attachment between the panels 144. 146 in which stretch characteristics are restrained.

In FIGS. 4A and 48. I show the left side of the lower overlapping embodiment of my invention when incorporated in brassieres having different front panel constructions.

The front panel construction of the brassiere of FIG. 4A is similar to the brassiere of FIG. 2A in that it has two cups 126a, 1280, which are secured together along their inner edges by ladder stitches I76, and have their outer edges secured to 'their corresponding side sections. The front section of this brassiere also includes an elastic underbust band 178 that extends girthwise below the brassiere cups from the lower outer side of one cup to the lower outer side of the other.

The left rear panel I 12, left shoulder strap 120 and the left adjustable buckle 140 of this brassiere are the same as those above described respecting the brassiere of FIGS. 3 and 4. and are similarly secured therein. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left rear and side sections 1 l2 and 116a.

The basic differences between the left side construction of the brassiere of FIG. 4A and that of FIGS. 3 and 4 are the shape of the stretchable panels 144a. 146a, and the securement of these panels to the outer edges of the left cup. For example, the upper panel 1440 is substantially triangular in shape with its inner edge secured to the upper outer edge of the left cup 1260, its upper edge free and unsecured, and its lower edge secured to the upper edge of the lower panel 146:;- Also, the lower panel 146a has substantially straight, coterminous inner edges secured to the lower-outer edge of the left cup 126a, and has substantially straight, coterminous outer edges secured to the left rear section 112. The free and unsecured lower edges of the lower panel 146a are also substantially straight.

The lower panel 1460 is similar to the lower panel I46 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that it is also a folded over piece of stretchable fabric that forms overlapping, inner and outer members 1510, 153a, with the folded edge secured to the lower edge of the triangular upper panel 144a.

The brassiere of FIG. 4B has a front section that is in most respects similar to the front section of the brassiere of FIG. 23. That is to say, it has conventional two-piece cups 126b, 128b, with breast hugging members 130b, 132b securing the inner upper edges of the cups together in a well-known crisscross construction. Also conventionally shown are the left rear section 112, left shoulder strap I20, and left adjustable shoulder strap buckle 140, as above described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left rear and side sections 1 12 and ll6b.

The upper panel 144k of the side section is substantially the same as the upper panel 144a of the brassiere of FIG. 4A in that it is substantially triangular in shape with its inner edge secured to the upper-outer edge of the left cup 126b, its outer edge free and unsecured, and its lower edge secured to the upper edge of the lower panel 14617.

The inner overlapping member llb of the lower panel I46b of this embodiment is the same as above described with respect to the brassiere of FIGS. 3 and 4, and is secured thereon in the same manner. However, the outer overlapping member 153k extends below and under the cups to the center of the brassiere. This outer member 153b has (1) its inner edge secured to the lower apex of the breast hugging members The major stretch direction of the stretchable panels in the side constructions of FIGS. 4A and 4B are preferably parallel to the zone of attachment. and preferably the stretch characteristic in this zone is restrained to provide a zone of restrained stretch as above described regarding the brassiere of FIGS. I and 2.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the left side of a brassiere in which the double overlapping embodiment of my invention is shown includes a front section 210. two rear sections 212 (one of which is not shown), two shoulder straps 200 (one of which is not shown). and rear closure means 224. all of which are substantially the same as above described respecting the brassiere of FIGS. I and 2.

The side sections 216 (one of which is not shown) of this embodiment each include an upper stretchable panel 244 and a lower stretchable panel 246 with such panels secured to each other by any well known securing stitch 248 to produce a zone of attachment between the panels, and preferably by ladder stitches to restrain the stretch characteristics in the zone of attachment.

The left upper panel 244 comprises an inner. stretchable piece of fabric 250 and an outer. stretchable piece of fabric 252 which overlaps the inner member. The inner coterminous edges of these overlapping members are secured to the upperouter edge of the left cup 226, while the rear coterminous edges are secured to the left rear section 212. Each upper edge of these members is free and unsecured. The left side section 216 has been cut away to more clearly show the structural relationship between the lower overlapping members 251, 252.

By this construction and securement of the stretchable panels 244, 246, a substantially girthwise extending zone of attachment is provided in the area where the lower edge of the upper panel 244 is secured to the upper edge of the lower panel 246. I also find it preferable in this embodiment of my invention to restrict the stretch characteristics in the zone of attachment to produce a girthwise extending zone of restrained stretch. The stretch characteristics of the panels 244, 246 above and below the zone of attachment permit dynamic accommodation of the components of the side section of the brassiere to muscular expansions of the body.

In this double overlapping embodiment of my invention, I also prefer to orient the major stretch direction of the stretchable panels 244, 246 so as to be substantially parallel to the zone of attachment. Of course, any other angular orientation of the major stretch direction of panels 244, 246 may be used depending upon the amount of underarm support and control desired.

In FIGS. 5A and 58. I show, respectively, an exploded view of the stretchable panels 244. 246 when secured to form the left side section of the brassiere of FIGS. 5 and 6, and a top plan view of these panels when flat, unfolded, and unsecured in the brassiere of FIGS. 5 and 6.

The upper panel 244 preferably has a plurality of edges and a fold line 254. This panel piece is folded inwardly from its position as shown in FIG. 58 so that the inner member 250 is under the outer member 252, with their outer edges 256, 258 and their inner edges 26,2. 264 respectively coterminous. Attachment of this panel in the brassiere is accomplished by (l) securing the inner coterminous edges 262, 264 to the upperouter edge of the left cup 226, (2) securing the upper-inner edge 268 to the left breast hugging member 230, (3) securing the upper edge 270 to the left shoulder strap 220 via the adjustable buckle 240, and (4) securing the outer coterminous edges 256, 258 to the inner edge of the left rear panel 236. The upper edges 260, 272 of the upper panel 244 are free and unsecured, while its fold line 254 is secured to the upper edge of the lower panel 246.

The lower panel 246 preferably has a plurality of edges and a fold line 255. When secured into the brassiere, the inner member 251 ,is folded downwardly from its position as shown in FIG. 58 so that is ,lies under the outer member 253, with their outer edges 274, 27.6 and their inner edges 280, 282

respectively coterminous. This panel is secured in the brassiere by (l) securing the inner coterminous edges 280, 282 to the lower edge of the left cup 226 and (2) securing the outer coterminous edges 274, 276 to the left rear section 212. The lower edges 278, 284 of the lower panel 246 are free and unsecured, while its inner edge'283 is secured to the center gusset 234.

Any well-known type of securing stitches may be used to attachthe stretchable panels 244, 246 together. I prefer, however, to secure the edges 256. 258, 262, and 264 of the upper panel 244, and edges 274, 276, 280, 282, and 283 of the lower panel 246 by conventional double-row, parallel stitches, whereas edge 268 of the upper panel 244 is secured by ladder stitches to the breast hugging member 230, and the fold line 254 of the upper panel 244 by ladder stitches to the fold line 255 of the lower panel 246, so as to permit a slight degree of relative movement between the secured panels during dynamic conditions of use, and preferably to establish a zone of attachment between the panels 244, 246 in which stretch characteristics are restrained.

In FIGS. 6A and 68, I show top views of the left side of the double overlapping embodiment of my invention when incorporated in brassieres having different front constructions.

The front panel construction of the brassiere of FIG. 6A is similar to the brassiere of FIG. 2A in that is has two cups 226a, 228a which are secured together along their inner edges by ladder stitches 276 with their outer edges secured to their corresponding side sections. The front section of this brassiere also includes an underbust elastic band 278 that extends along the complete bottom edge of the brassiere, with its upper edge secured to the lower edges of the front, side, and rear sections of the brassiere.

The left rear panel 212, left shoulder strap 220 and the left adjustable shoulder strap buckle 240 of this brassiere are the same as those above described respecting the brassiere of FIGS. 5 and 6, and are similarly secured therein. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left rear and side sections 212, 216a.

The shape of the stretchable panels 244a and 246;: and the securement of these panels to the outer edge of the cups are the basic difierences between the side construction of FIG. 6A and that of FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, the coterminous inner edges of both the stretchable panels 244a, 24611 are substan tially straight and are secured to the outer edge of the left cup 226a, while the inner member 251a of the lower panel 2460 has its lower edge secured to the upper edge of the elastic tape 278.

Stretchable panels 244a and 246a are otherwise similar to the stretchable panels 244, 246 of FIGS. 5 and 6 in that each is a folded-over piece of stretchable fabric that forms overlapping, inner and outer members, with their folded edges secured together by stitches 248a. Y

The brassiere of FIG. 68 has a front section that is in most respects similar to the front section of the brassiere of FIG. 2B, i.e., conventional two-piece cups 226b; 228b, with breast hugging members 230b, 232b secured in a well known crisscross construction. Also conventionally shown are the left sides section 212, left shoulderstrap 220 and left shoulder strap buckle 240. The right rear and side sections (not shown) are identical to the left side rear and side sections 212 and 216k. 2

The upper panel 244b is substantially the same as the upper panel 244a of FIG. 6A in that its coterminous inner edges are substantially straight, and it includes overlapping, inner arid outer stretchable members 250b, 252b.

The inner overlapping member 2511; of the lower panel 246b of this embodiment is the same as above described regarding the brassiere of FIGS. 5 and 6, and is secured therein in the same manner. However, the outer overlapping member 253b extends below and under the cups to the center of the brassiere, and has its inner edge secured to the lower apex of the breast hugging members 230b, its inner-upper edge secured to the lower edge of the cup 226b, its lower edge free and unsecured. and its rear. coterminous, outer edges secured to the rear section 212.

The major stretch direction of the stretchable panels 244b, 246b in the side construction of the brassieres of FIGS. 6A and 6B are preferably parallel to the zone of attachment, and preferably the stretch characteristic in this zone of attachment is restrained so as to provide a zone of restrained stretch as above described respecting the brassiere of FIGS. I and 2.

From the above detailed description of the seyeral embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent that my novel upper overlapping, lower overlapping and double overlapping side constructions firmly compress against the pectoral muscles and adipose tissues upon which they overlie so as to mold such muscles and tissues and prevent unsightly sagging and bulging thereof. Furthermore, my novel side constructions dynamically accommodate to body expansions and contractions in the underarm region of the body without exerting uncomfortable pressures, yet they advantageously achieve the desired smooth underarm profile.

While I have illustrated several embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that its teachings, in whole or in part, can be incorporated in many variations.

I claim:

I. A brassiere comprising:

a. a front section having a pair of breast cups, a pair of rear sections, and a pair of side sections respectively connecting said rear sections to said front sections; and in which said side sections each include upper and lower individual stretchable panels secured together, said securement defining anarea between said panels to form an elongated zone of attachment that extends between the front section and its corresponding rear section, said zone of attachment having restraining characteristics; and in which c. at least one of said upper and lower panels includes overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, with each member having its front edge secured to said front section along a portion of the outer edge of its respective breast cup; its corresponding rear section and a free edge spaced apart from said zone of attachment, said zone of attachment and said panels exerting a resilient compressive force along an area juxtaposed to said breast cups and intermediate the outer edges of said breast cups and the rear sections of said brassiere.

2. The brassiere of claim I in which the upper and lower panels are secured together along adjacent inner edges to form said elongated zone of attachment.

3. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said overlapping members of one panel comprise a single piece of stretchable fabric, folded to form an edge, with said edge securedto said other panel to produce said zone of attachment.

4. The brassiere of claim I in which the free edges of said overlapping members cross each other at a point intermediate said front section and their corresponding rear section.

5. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said overlapping members form an area of overlap that is less than the surface area of at least one of said members, whereby the cooperation between said area of overlap and said zone of attachment permits dynamic accommodation of said side section to expansions of the underarm area of the body and produces a smooth underarm profile.

6. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction substantially parallel to the elongated zone of attachment.

7. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated zone of attachment.

8. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction at an angle to the elongated zone of attachment.

9. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper panel has overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, and each zone of attachment extends downwardly outer. stretchable members. and each zone of attachment extends substantially girthwise from the midheight of its corresponding cup to its corresponding rear section.

12. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein the front edges of said upper and lower panels are cotcrminous along the outer edge of its respective breast cup and the rear edges of said panels are coterminous along a line of its respective rear section. 

1. A brassiere comprising: a. a front section having a pair of breast cups, a pair of rear sections, and a pair of side sections respectively connecting said rear sections to said front sections; and in which b. said side sections each include upper and lower individual stretchable panels secured together, said securement defining an area between said panels to form an elongated zone of attachment that extends between the front section and its corresponding rear section, said zone of attachment having restraining characteristics; and in which c. at least one of said upper and lower panels includes overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, with each member having its front edge secured to said front section along a portion of the outer edge of its respective breast cup; its corresponding rear section and a free edge spaced apart from said zone of attachment, said zone of attachment and said panels exerting a resilient compressive force along an area juxtaposed to said breast cups and intermediate the outer edges of said breast cups and the rear sections of said brassiere.
 2. The brassiere of claim 1 in which the upper and lower panels are secured together along adjacent inner edges to form said elongated zone of attachment.
 3. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said overlapping members of one panel comprise a single piece of stretchable fabric, folded to form an edge, with said edge secured to said other panel to produce said zone of attachment.
 4. The brassiere of claim 1 in which the free edges of said overlapping members cross each other at a point intermediate said front section and their corresponding rear section.
 5. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said overlapping members form an area of overlap that is less than the surface area of at least one of said members, whereby the cooperation between said area of overlap and said zone of attachment permits dynamic accommodation of said side section to expansions of the underarm area of the body and produces a smooth underarm profile.
 6. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction substantially parallel to the elongated zone of attachment.
 7. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated zone of attachment.
 8. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper and lower panels comprise material having its major stretch direction at an angle to the elongated zone of attachment.
 9. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said upper panel has overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, and each zone of attachment extends downwardly from the outer side of its corresponding cup to its corresponding rear section.
 10. The brassiere of claim 1 in which said lower panel has overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, and each zone of attachment extends upwardly from the outer side of its corresponding cup to its corresponding rear section.
 11. The brassiere of claim in which both the upper and lower panels have overlapping, nonsymmetrical, inner and outer, stretchable members, and each zone of attachment extends substantially girthwise from the midheight of its corresponding cup to its corresponding rear section.
 12. The brassiere of claim 1 wherein the front edges of said upper and lower panels are coterminous along the outer edge of its respective breast cup and the rear edges of said panels are coterminous along a line of its respective rear section. 